Jaramillo v. O'TOOLE

OPINION

EASLEY, Chief Justice.

Wil-Don Inc. sued Jaramillo in magistrate court, alleging breach of contract. The case was tried before a jury, which found in favor of Jaramillo. Wil-Don moved for judgment notwithstanding the verdict; the magistrate judge denied the motion and instead ordered a new trial. Jaramillo then sought a writ of prohibition from district court. The permanent writ was denied, and Jaramillo appeals the district court’s decision. We reverse.

The issue is whether a magistrate court has jurisdiction to set aside a jury verdict.

Our Constitution empowered the Legislature to…